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By LOONG MENG YEE
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended Malacca's decision to confer a Datukship upon Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
However, he said local artistes deserving of awards should be rewarded as well.
In an Oct 23 posting in his blog chedet.com, Mahathir said he was embarrassed over the controversy arising from Malacca's decision to confer Shah Rukh with a Datukship.
Dr Mahathir said such titles had been previously bestowed upon foreigners deemed to have contributed to the nation, and that some of them "even contributed less than Shah Rukh."
He said Shah Rukh was among the handful of famous names willing to make films here.
"I had previously tried to encourage Bollywood filmmakers to shoot here, to introduce the country as a tourism draw.
"Shah Rukh responded to the invitation. Many of his films feature famous Malaysian attractions.
"Not only are we able to attract tourists, but filming here incurred huge expenses for the Bollywood companies. Locals and many others gained," said Dr Mahathir.
He added Shah Rukh had also performed for free to help charities raise funds.
"His choosing to film here had encouraged other Bollywood film makers to do the same as well," said Dr Mahathir.
Meanwhile, Bernama clarified that Shah Rukh will receive his Datukship on Nov 29, and not Oct 29 as was reported.
An officer from the Chief Minister's office said the conferment ceremony at the Seri Negeri Hall in Malacca would be telecast live at 10am on that day.
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